Title:HRH PRINCE PHILLIP, DUKE OF EDINBURGH, VISITS CHRISTMAS ISLAND IN APRIL 1959 [Allocated Title]
Film Number:AWE 50
Other titles:BRITAIN'S ATOMIC WEAPONS RESEARCH PROGRAMME COLLECTION [Allocated Series Title]
Summary: HRH Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh, visits Maralinga as part of his tour of the Pacific region, in the spring of 1959. During his visit the Duke of Edinburgh visits the military and scientific sites, plus the Gilbertese village.
Description: The Duke of Edinburgh arrives on Christmas Island where he is met by members of the Task Force, staff from the Atomic Weapons Research Establishment at Aldermaston, and local residents. The Duke inspects members of the local police force, and meets a group of schoolchildren and their teacher. After a demonstration of Gilbertese singing and dancing, the Duke visits the Grapple Headquarters and Joint Operations Centre, where he meets Mr W Jones, a AWRE scientist. The Duke then inspects the crews of several Hastings transport aircraft, and is flown by helicopter over the test area. On returning to the headquarters the Duke visits the local church built out of pieces of coral and tours a mess area. The Duke then departs by helicopter and the Royal Standard is lowered.
Alternative Title:BRITAIN'S ATOMIC WEAPONS RESEARCH PROGRAMME COLLECTION [Allocated Series Title]